Made by a Fabricista: A Casual Jumpsuit

Have you seen all of the new jumpsuit patterns that are coming out lately? There are so many! I've been anxious to try a jumpsuit, but hadn't worked up the courage until I saw Sandra Betzina's version with Vogue 1483.

I always enjoy Sandra's patterns, so I decided to give this one a try. You can see from the line drawing that it has pockets (YAY!), a zip front and raglan sleeves.

It reminded me of this one that I had seen by Stella McCartney, which I liked, but would cost $1700 at Barneys!

I really struggled with what to make it out of. I wanted something drapey, but not too thin. The pattern suggests ponte knit, challis, or crepe, so I went to Fabric Mart's ponte selection. I was afraid that a solid would look too industrial, so I decided on this print.

Here's a close-up of the details and the print. I have to admit that this was out of my comfort zone in the print- but sometimes it's good to try new things. I knew that it was a good fabric composition- ponte knits that have rayon as the largest component are very soft and have a great hand to them. They are very easy to sew with, and the fact that it could stretch was important just in case I made the rise too short!

So, now that the decision was made on the fabric and the pattern, then came the decisions about adjustments. Being tall, I could never, EVER wear a ready to wear jumpsuit- they are way too short. I added 3" total- 1-1/2" at the bottom of the bodice, and 1-1/2" at the hem, and I think it turned out to be pretty good for my 5'9" frame. If I were to make this from a woven fabric, I would add another 1-1/2" at the top of the pant portion.

There are a few considerations to take into account when wearing a jumpsuit, and the first that most people think of is -how do I get out of this thing? Well- this one is easy. The zipper front is just like putting on a pair of onesie pajamas.

In fact, that is probably my main issue with it- how to not have it look like pajamas! I've noticed since making this that most of the jumpsuit patterns are sleeveless, which would cut down on that pajama look. I thought about chopping off the sleeves, but it's still pretty chilly here, and I need sleeves!

So, I decided to wear a vest, belt and necklace with it instead. My daughter said that it looked like I was going hunting in my pajamas. Haha. I do see her point- while the print is not a camo, it does have that vibe! But, I've worn this a couple of times already and I have gotten quite a few compliments. In fact, my husband really likes it! He rarely comments on anything, but he thinks this one is fun. But more importantly, I really like wearing it!

How about you? Any jumpsuits that you would like to make? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone to try something different?

Happy Sewing!

Ann for SewBaby News

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